Emil Weis offers gemstone dealers and collectors a glimpse into the surreal world of opals, dominated by the deepest blues and greens, or blazing hues of reds and oranges.

Emil Weis offers gemstone dealers and collectors a glimpse into the surreal world of opals, dominated by the deepest blues and greens, or blazing hues of reds and oranges.

Emil Weis Opals KG of Germany supplies an expansive range of high-quality opals to major markets around the globe.

Its most popular products are boulder, Mexican and light opals, according to Jürgen Schütz, president of Emil Weis. Black opals, meanwhile, remain in demand but business is hindered by high prices, he noted.

Schütz disclosed that, despite a relatively slower 2017, the market has become more discerning and knowledgeable about opals.

“Demand in general was down globally, especially in China and the US. There was tight supply in Australia as well and only production in Mexico was stable,” Schütz added. “Interest in opals, however, has increased over the years, especially in China and the US.”

The company official attributed this improved perception of opals to aggressive marketing and promotions, including celebrities wearing opals at public events and further fuelling consumer demand.

Emil Weis’ top markets are Asia, specifically China and Japan; the US and Europe. Buyers from these markets highly favour boulder opals while facetted Mexican fire opals are sought after by US clients.

“There’s strong demand for Mexican and boulder opals. We have a huge inventory of these stones so we have no problem supplying the market,” revealed Schütz.

Founded in 1905 by Emil and Otto Weis in Germany’s gemstone capital of Idar-Oberstein, the company is one of the oldest opal cutters in the world. The business is now owned and managed by Karin and Jürgen Schütz, and Michael Weis and Tanja Schütz. The company is based in the so-called “Opal Village” of Kirschweiler.

“We are the only company in the world that mines and cuts opals from all over the world. We offer more than 50 types of different opals. We have been doing this for more than 112 years,” the opal expert said. “Our extensive stock of rough opals gives us more flexibility in meeting market demand.”